Admire Castel Sant'Elmo, the medieval fortress located on a hilltop near the Certosa di San Martino, overlooking Naples.

What to Expect

This star-shaped military fortress perched atop Vomero Hill dominates the Naples skyline. Castel Sant’Elmo was originally a church dedicated to St Erasmus and looms over the San Martino Chartherouse just below. The two, creating an unrivaled vista that has greeted travelers arriving from the sea for centuries.

Carved into and out of Naples famed tuff rock, the Angevins 14th century fortress was replaced by the six-pointed star structure you see today. Set like a crown on the crest of Vomero hill, this unique example of 16th century military architecture is owed to Viceroy Don Pedro Alvarez de Toledo and Pedro Luis Escriva, a military engineer from Valencia.

Part of his design was a “roof-top terrace,” encircling the entire perimeter of the castle. While its intent was clearly defensive, today it is the castle’s most important asset. The 360° panoramic views of the city, the bay from the terrace and its Museo del Novecento dedicated to 20th-century Neapolitan art are worth the trip.